dublinpilot, if you take a look at the NPA, you'll find a good description of the destination and alternate aerodrome forecast requirements for the EIR. There are also much clearer statements concerning acceptance of IFR clearances than hitherto.
With regard to your second question, effectively it is to include the provisions of JAR-FCL 1.175(b) within FCL.600.
Any corrspondence will come from IAOPA, so your national AOPA should be able to advise you further.